Assessing the Human Resource in Science and Technology for Asian Countries: Application of Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS

Ying-Chyi Chou,Van Thac Dang,Hsin-Yi Yen,Chia-Chi Sun

doi:10.3390/sym11020251

Abstract

The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) are extremely beneficial when a decision-making process is complex. The reason is that AHP and TOPSIS can prioritize multiple-choice criteria into a hierarchy by assessing the relative importance of criteria and can thus generate an overall ranking of the alternatives. This study uses fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS to evaluate the human resource in science and technology (HRST) performance of Southeast Asian countries. The fuzzy TOPSIS analysis indicates that Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan have similarities in their desired levels of HRST performance. That is, these three countries have better HRST performances than other Southeast Asian countries.

Highlights

In the current knowledge-based economy, innovation is identified as the driver of productivity and economic growth, thereby leading to a new focus on the important role of technology, information, and learning in economic performance
Policy makers focus on the measurement of the human resource in science and technology (HRST) competitiveness
On the basis of the shortcomings of conventional methods to measure HRST competitiveness, the main aim of the present study is to provide policy makers and practitioners with a fuzzy perspective on national HRST competitiveness evaluation and attempt to improve the accuracy and reconstruct the priority of each measurement dimension in HRST competitiveness

Summary

Introduction

In the current knowledge-based economy, innovation is identified as the driver of productivity and economic growth, thereby leading to a new focus on the important role of technology, information, and learning in economic performance. Southeast Asia is the world’s fastest growing region, all Southeast Asian governments consider HRST the most critical project for the future development of national competitiveness. In this context, the need to measure and analyze the most highly skilled part of the labor force is considerably important in the international level. On the basis of the shortcomings of conventional methods to measure HRST competitiveness, the main aim of the present study is to provide policy makers and practitioners with a fuzzy perspective on national HRST competitiveness evaluation and attempt to improve the accuracy and reconstruct the priority of each measurement dimension in HRST competitiveness.

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion